[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 56 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING MIKE FALCONITE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Comer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good 
friend, Mike Falconite of Kentucky, who passed away on Friday, March 
29, 2019, at the age of 62.
  Mike was born to the late Joe Falconite and Betty Lou Falconite and 
grew up in Cairo, Illinois. Mike's father owned and operated a heavy 
equipment company, which Mike took control of and moved to Paducah with 
his family in the 1980s.
  Mike was a great friend of mine who will be remembered for his work 
ethic, generosity, big heart, and passion for the outdoors.
  Mike expanded his company to multiple States and employed hundreds of 
people before selling it in 1995 and setting his sights on real estate 
in Paducah, starting up Falconite Development. I admired Mike's vision 
for Paducah and his enthusiasm for developing and expanding the 
community.
  Mike's motto was, ``The more you build, the more you learn.'' He 
lived that motto in many aspects of his life.
  When Mike was not looking for the next real estate venture, he 
enjoyed boating at Kentucky Lake and hunting, which took him on many 
adventures across the United States and other countries in search of 
prized game.
  He loved spending time with his family, including his two children, 
Nicki Roof and Joe Falconite, plus seven grandchildren.
  Mike was a humble, fair, and passionate man who was always willing to 
help others in need. Giving the benefit of the doubt to anyone he 
encountered, he will, undoubtedly, be remembered by those who loved him 
as hardworking, charitable, and incredibly passionate. I join with all 
of Mike's friends and family today in honoring his life, legacy, and 
love for others.


                     Congratulating Brandon Garnett

  Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Brandon Garnett of 
Christian County for recently receiving the 2019 Friend of Agriculture 
award.
  Brandon Garnett has proved to be a strong advocate for agriculture 
and the farmers of western Kentucky. He has facilitated a number of 
important ag-related activities in the community, including the 
Christian County Cattlemen's rodeo scholarships for local youth and the 
soon-to-be ag expo center. Brandon is regional vice president for Farm 
Credit of Mid-America and serves on several boards throughout the city 
of Hopkinsville.
  In receiving the Friend of Agriculture award, Brandon shared the role 
his father played in shaping his outlook on being a friend to 
agriculture and how ``to always know that agriculture was a way of life 
and something that would always provide well if you put your heart into 
it.''
  I am proud to know we have individuals like Brandon who work 
tirelessly to advocate on behalf of our agriculture community, serving, 
teaching, and always offering a helping hand.
  Again, I congratulate my good friend, Brandon Garnett, on being named 
the 2019 Friend of Agriculture, and I look forward to his continued 
success in Christian County and beyond.

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